Community Passes Elmhurst Park District Referendum
As of November 5, 2024, the majority of Elmhurst Park District voters answered “yes” to the bond referendum request to raise revenue to improve, equip and maintain parks and facilities throughout the District, including replacing the Wagner Community Center; building a community bandshell at Wilder Park; adding permanent, heated restrooms at three parks and along the Prairie Path; and converting a grass field to artificial turf at Berens Park.
The new Wagner Community Center will accommodate more residents and feature:
- Free three-lane walking/jogging track
- Gymnasium for pickleball, basketball, volleyball and other sports
- Artificial turf field for soccer, football, baseball and other sports
- Larger spaces for dance and gymnastics programs
- Flexible multi-purpose spaces for more programming and community gatherings
- Indoor play area for children
- Dedicated early childhood and preschool spaces with a secure entrance
“Our residents have been an essential part of this process from the beginning, sharing their vision during the Elevate Elmhurst Parks planning, providing feedback on projects during multiple open houses, answering our voter survey and then voting,” said Kevin Graf, Park Board President. “We are pleased to be able to deliver their vision.”
With the community’s approval of the bond request, the Park District will complete design development for the Wagner Community Center along with the other projects in 2025. At the same time, plans will be made to temporarily relocate programs and services currently held at the Wagner Center beginning in fall 2025. Construction on the new Wagner Center is expected to start in 2026 with the new facility opening in fall 2027. The community bandshell, year-round heated restrooms, and upgrading a grass field to artificial turf will be completed in 2026-2028.
Check this webpage and regularly follow us on social media to stay up to date on progress and details.
June 2025 Progress Report
Wagner Community Center (WCC) Project
- Dewberry, McHugh+Nacional and staff conducted the first of the weekly Owner Architect Contractor (OAC) preconstruction meeting.
- Park Board reviewed and approved exterior elevations for new facility.
- WCC abatement project package was issued for bid; mandatory pre-bid meeting held on-site and bids opened on May 27.
- Notice of June 11 neighborhood meeting sent to property owners within 500 feet of WCC as part of Planned Unit Development process.
Wagner Community Center (WCC) Relocation
- Completed negotiations on terms and attorneys drafted lease agreement for proposed location at 185 Industrial Drive.
- Board approved three-year lease.
Crestview Park Master Plan
- Board reviewed proposed Master Plan presented by V3.
Wilder Park Bandshell with Restrooms
- Park Board reviewed potential locations for bandshell.
Restroom Buildings
- Park Board approved architectural design and location for restroom building in Eldridge Park with design to serve as a template for other buildings.
